The First Meeting of the New Alanyans Assembly was Held

Under the umbrella of the Alanya Municipality Culture and Tourism Commission, the first meeting of the newly restructured New Alanyans Assembly was held. Foreign residents living in Alanya showed great interest in the meeting, expressing their willingness to actively participate in the upcoming commissions.

The first meeting of the New Alanyans Assembly, to be established within the Alanya Municipality, took place in the Municipal Council Hall. The meeting was attended by Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik, Deputy Mayor Murat Levent Koçak, Mayor's Advisor and Coordinator of the New Alanyans Assembly Abdurrahman Açıkalın, Honorary Consul of Sweden Hilmi Tokuş, Honorary Consul of Latvia Nurkan Şaşmaz, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka Ali Kamburoğlu, Honorary Consul of Moldova Ali Okur, and a large number of New Alanyans.

MAYOR ÖZÇELİK: "YOU ADD VALUE TO OUR CITY"

Opening the meeting, Mayor Özçelik said: "It is a great honor for me to welcome you to Alanya, this beautiful city that we all proudly call our home. Over the years, Alanya has become a global symbol of peace, harmony, and cultural coexistence, hosting people from more than 130 nations. Today, by gathering here, we celebrate the unity and diversity that define us.

As your mayor, I want to emphasize that the Alanya Municipality is fully aware of the opportunities and challenges that come with being part of such a rich and diverse community. Each of you, with your unique backgrounds and cultures, adds invaluable value to our city. Together, we have the power to present Alanya as a global model of harmony and solidarity.

Let me be clear: we do not see you as foreigners. Instead, we warmly embrace you as New Alanyans."

MAYOR ÖZÇELİK: "IT WILL OPERATE IN A MORE INCLUSIVE, TRANSPARENT, AND EFFECTIVE MANNER"

Mayor Özçelik noted that the idea of the Foreigners' Assembly has been in practice for 20 years:

"However, we are proud to announce that in the coming period, this initiative will transform into a structure supported by official regulations. This assembly, to be restructured under the umbrella of the Alanya Municipality Culture and Tourism Commission, will operate in a more inclusive, transparent, and effective manner to represent the voices of our international residents.

After the local elections on March 31, my colleagues and I brought a new approach to governance in Alanya. You are not foreigners to us; you are New Alanyans. We hope for your support for our administration and those who will follow. Today, we invited you here to inform you about this new initiative. Going forward, we will officially finalize its establishment through a commission and assembly decision. Rules and guidelines will be developed. I invite all associations, social organizations, and individuals to support this initiative. Together, let us make our beloved Alanya a symbol of love, harmony, and peace," he stated.

A YOUTH COUNCIL WILL BE ESTABLISHED

Mayor Özçelik announced that subcommittees and a Youth Council will be formed under the New Alanyans Assembly: "To better meet the needs of our international residents and strengthen collaboration, we plan to establish subcommittees. These subcommittees will play a facilitating role, ensuring effective communication between public institutions and providing prompt solutions to issues.

Furthermore, considering the importance of passing on our unity to future generations, I am delighted to announce the creation of a new structure called the Youth Council. This platform will bring together young members from local and international communities, strengthening the spirit of unity and mutual respect within our community.

I invite associations, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to join this collaboration. Together, we can make Alanya—a city we are lovingly attached to and have chosen as our home—a stronger and more inclusive city. Application forms will be distributed and swiftly evaluated by our committee to establish an assembly that truly represents our community."

Mayor Özçelik concluded his remarks by saying: "Let us continue building hand in hand on Alanya’s legacy of peace, unity, and shared prosperity. Together—for Alanya, for our community, and for our future."

MAYOR'S ADVISOR AÇIKALIN INFORMED THE PARTICIPANTS

Following Mayor Özçelik's speech, honorary consuls stated that they support this new initiative of the Alanya Municipality. Additionally, all foreign residents present at the meeting signed a petition in support of establishing such a structure under the umbrella of the Alanya Municipality.

Mayor's Advisor Abdurrahman Açıkalın explained that the New Alanyans Assembly would have an official procedure and subcommittees would be formed:

"We have rolled up our sleeves to establish this structure on a legal platform. The petitions you just signed indicate your support for this initiative. Together, you and we will create this assembly.

In addition, the following committees will be formed under the assembly: the Culture and Change Committee, the Education and Sustainability Committee, the Social Integration Committee, the Tourism and Economic Development Committee, and the Street Animals Communication Group. And, what excites me the most, we will also establish a Youth Council," he said.

Foreign residents will submit their applications via petitions, and the members of the New Alanyans Assembly will be determined in the coming days.